Alinta Energy has revealed the selection of contractors for the $180 million Port Hedland Solar Battery Hybrid project.
UGL, a subsidiary of CIMIC Group, has been chosen to oversee the construction of the 35MW one-hour battery storage system. Meanwhile, Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute Co and Monford Group Pty Ltd (SEPD Monford) have secured contracts to install an approximately 45MW AC fixed-tilt solar array.
The project is anticipated to generate around 200 employment opportunities, with contractors commencing work in July 2023. The solar battery is projected to become operational by late 2024.
The undertaking will involve the installation of approximately 100,000 panels across an area spanning roughly 100 hectares. The solar array will be situated approximately 500 meters east of the Port Hedland Power Station, located approximately 14 kilometres south of the town, while the battery will be positioned at the existing power station site.
Ken Woolley, Alinta Energy’s Chief Development Officer, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to bring these EPC partners on board to help us deliver the project for BHP and look forward to a safe and successful construction phase.”
Doug Moss, Managing Director of UGL, remarked, “UGL is a market leader in the design, construction, and operation of renewable assets across Australia. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Alinta to provide a safe and effective outcome for their Port Hedland project.”
Upon completion, it is anticipated that 100 percent of the forecasted average daytime energy requirements for BHP’s port facilities will be met by solar generation, with the remaining power needs to be fulfilled via the battery and Alinta Energy’s existing gas-fired power station.
The Port Hedland Solar Battery Hybrid project is pivotal to a power purchase agreement with BHP that aims to cut emissions from electricity generation by half at BHP’s Western Australia iron ore port facilities in Port Hedland.
Alinta Energy has secured development approvals for the sites, which could facilitate future expansion to a 60MW two-hour battery storage system and a 90MW AC solar array.
Alinta Energy, BHP, UGL, and SEPD Monford have committed to exploring opportunities to incorporate local and Indigenous participation, including prospects for local, Pilbara Aboriginal, and Kariyarra Traditional Owner businesses.
Alinta Energy extends gratitude to the Government of Western Australia for its Clean Energy Future Fund grant of $1.5 million, designated for the battery storage system component of the project.